Dow Partners with Universities to Research Oxidation-Resistant RO Membranes

Dow Water Solutions has reached a multi-year joint development partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and University of Texas at Austin (UT). Under the agreement, Dow Water Solutions will collaborate with Virginia Tech and UT on the research and development of oxidation-resistant reverse osmosis (RO) membranes.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with an industry leader such as Dow Water Solutions,” said Dr. Benny Freeman, Kenneth A. Kobe and Paul D. and Betty Robertson Meek & American Petrofina Foundation centennial professor of chemical engineering, University of Texas at Austin. “It’s an exciting alliance bringing together the vast engineering knowledge of our universities with Dow’s existing industry expertise, resulting in breakthrough membrane chemistry.”

Dr. James McGrath, University Distinguished and Ethyl Corporation professor of chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, added, “This partnership is a positive step forward for the advancement of science. Through innovation, research and hard work, our joint development will present endless opportunities to deploy advanced membrane technologies, meaning greater water purification and management to the world.”

This joint partnership will tackle one of the toughest technical challenges in the water desalination industry, developing oxidation-resistant, or chlorine-resistant, RO membranes that will simplify the water treatment process and convert highly-contaminated water into potable water sources.

“Over the past five years, we’ve invested significantly in innovation to provide sustainable water in a more efficient and cost-effective manner,” said David Klanecky, global director of research and development, Dow Water Solutions. “This joint partnership is yet another example of how we strategically collaborate and combine our expertise with that of innovative leaders to drive growth and bring solutions to our customers around the world.”